During the College of the Ozarks and Waldorf College baseball game on Saturday, April 13, the C of O Physical Education Majors and Minors Club and the Christian Psychology Club, along with the Bobcat Baseball Team will host “Baseball for Heroes.” This event is in honor of C of O Assistant Professor of Military Science Lieutenant Colonel James Schreffler and the 135th Attack Reconnaissance Battalion, which he commands, set to deploy to Afghanistan.

The event purpose is to collect gloves and baseballs to ship overseas to soldiers of the 135th, so that they have a reminder of home and a way to have a little fun in their free time.

“It’s a way to give them something from home that they’ll appreciate,” said Cassie Mabe, a member of the Psychology Club. “I hope that they feel that they are loved and that they are honored in this.”

Family members of the men and women of the 135th have been invited to attend and be recognized at the game. Both C of O and Waldorf College will take time between games to meet and thank the families.

Those in the community are encouraged to bring in gloves and baseballs and attend the game. All who donate will receive a t-shirt and have the opportunity to record a thank you message to be sent to the 135th.

“This is a great opportunity for us to be a part of something that is a lot bigger than just baseball,” said C of O Baseball Coach Jason Reinsch. “Our military and the sacrifices that they have made are something that we should all be very thankful for. Baseball is just a side note on Saturday; those men and women are why we are doing this event.”

Ball and glove donations may be dropped off at Coach Bob Smith Field on the campus of College of the Ozarks. The game, scheduled to begin at noon on Saturday, April 13, is free and open to the public. For more information contact Public Relations at (417) 690-2212 or e-mail pr@cofo.edu.